Digital Commons Network^™

Experience Transformation Patient & Family Advisory Council, John Bollinger, Jessica M. Clarey, Missy Ewald, Julie Goldstein-Dunn

2025 Patient Advisor Retreat

The goal of this council is to collect insights and test new functionality to ensure Henry Ford Health can deliver consistent, easy, accessible, and convenient experiences that delight our patients and members unexpectedly. With the help of this council, we are: Redesigning and standardizing access points in ways we have not thought about in the past; Creating barrier-free access for our patients; Empowering team members to do their best, most satisfying work through supportive processes and technology.

Engaging Community Members As Standardized Patients In Nursing Education, Lisa Daily, Jeanette Tanafranca

2025 Patient Advisor Retreat

Michigan State University College of Nursing- Detroit (MSUCON) is located in the heart of the city and hosts a cohort of Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing (ABSN) students, who complete their second degree in nursing in 15 months. This curriculum mirrors that of the East Lansing site. Simulation-based learning plays an important part of the nursing program. An integral part of these experiences are Standardized Patients (SPs). A SP is an individual trained to portray a patient scenario, for the instruction, assessment, or practice of communication and/or examining skills of a healthcare provider. SPs provide a safe and supportive …

The Discharge Admission And Transfer (D.A.T) Nurse Program, Bethane Leuck Bsn, Rn, Raquel Gonzalez Msn, Rn, Agcns-Bc, Shannon Peters Bsn, Rn, Medsurg-Bc - Nursing Professional Development Generalist, Shavonya Wright Msn, Rn - Director Of Nursing, Maria Witczak Bsn Rn - Nurse Supervisor

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Overcrowding and boarding in the emergency room is a national issue associated with delayed care, adverse events and increased mortality. This in turn impacts inpatient bed availability, capacity, and patient flow. Strategies to mitigate this include addressing barriers and facilitators to inpatient discharges. Baseline data (03-06/2024) showed on average 11% of discharges occurred before noon, 4.3 hours from order to discharge, 32% utilized the discharge pharmacy nurse navigator, and mean length of stay was 5.4 days.

Purpose: To pilot and evaluate the role of a discharge admission and transfer (DAT) nurse, whose primary goal is to improve discharge efficiency …

Safe Sleep, Laura Jester Msn, Apn, Acns-Bc, Rn, Medsurg-Bc, Jennifer Dries Rn, Bsn, Cpn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: The leading cause of death for infants 1 month to 1 year is Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUIDs). Each year in the United States, 3500 infants die of sleep-related infant deaths. Between 2019-2021, there were 141 SUID cases in Cook County. 99% of these had one or more unsafe sleep factors. In Cook County, Black infants died at 14 times the rate of White infants and Hispanic infants at three times the rate of White infants. This is above the national average.

Local Problem: Advocate Christ Medical Center (CMC) is a large, Level 3 perinatal hospital in Cook County. …

Using Doll Therapy To Reduce Falls In Patients With Neurodegenerative Diseases In An Acute Care Setting, Michele Mock Asn, Rn, Erica Colwell Asn, Rn, Jed Lindo Clinical Nurse, Tracy Garber Nurse Manager, Mary Hoey Nurse Scientist

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Hospital admissions for neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's, along with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NSS), are increasing. Patients with NSS are 4-5 times more likely to fall and sustain serious injuries, impacting patient experience and causing financial strain on the organization. Current interventions to reduce the challenging NSS include psychotropic medications, which can cause further adverse effects. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions are considered an important 1st line treatment to lessen challenging behaviors.

Local problem

At this facility, over 50% of elderly patients who fall out of bed have confusion, accounting for 20% of our 500 falls per year. The purpose of …

Engaging The Environmental Services Team To Improve Turnover Time In The Operating Room, Mark Crucero Msn, Rn, Cnor, Cssm, Cnamb, Ne-Bc, Npd-Bc, Pccn, Lynette Wilkos-Prostran Msn, Rn, Patricia Francois Mba-Hcm, Bsn, Bse, Cnor, Rnfa, Clyb, Pio Reggie Frigillano Bsn, Rn, Cnor, Fidelmar Arriaga Csct

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

The operating room is a fast-paced environment that provides surgical, anesthesia and nursing services. Efficiency and optimization are a priority to provide safe and effective surgical care for the patients. In a suburban, Level 1 Trauma and teaching hospital, the operating room leaders collaborated with front-line nurses and environmental services personnel to look at opportunities to decrease turnover times and improve patient satisfaction.

Local Problem

Average turnover time is 43 minutes in the Operating Room and 31 minutes in the Ambulatory Surgery Center. Although there is no gold-standard on turnover times, Foster (2012) surveyed 134 hospitals and showed a …

From Knowledge To Prevention: How A Targeted Tip Sheet Slashed Cauti Rates, Samantha Herbert Dnp, Aprn, Accns-Ag, Cmsrn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background:

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) remain among the most prevalent hospital-acquired infections, with considerable implications for both patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Despite established prevention guidelines, variability in adherence across clinical units often results in inconsistent outcomes. At a academic medical center, CAUTI rates continued to exceed national benchmarks, indicating potential gaps in staff knowledge or inconsistent implementation of best practices.

Local Problem:

Between December 2022 and September 2023, the facility recorded 10 CAUTI cases. An internal review highlighted discrepancies in protocol adherence and knowledge levels among staff across units. In response, a targeted intervention was deemed necessary to …

Stamp Out Workplace Violence For Nurses Working In An Emergency Center, Randi Bos Msn, Rn, Cen, Morgan Goette Msn, Rn, Lisa Hallman Clinical Nurse, Johnny Williams Nurse Director

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Workplace Violence (WPV) in healthcare remains a serious concern. Most healthcare workers will experience violence- physical acts, verbal intimidation, or threatening statements by patients/families. AHNTMC has a large Emergency Center (EC), receiving over 50,000 visits annually. Some patients exhibit violent tendencies, which may stem from traumatic brain injuries, psychiatric disorders or other medical problems. Like other hospitals, under-reporting by registered nurses (RNs) is an issue.

Local Problem

Despite having many of the evidence-based practice (EBP) requirements such as education, officers on site and panic buttons, our EC RN, WPV rate/1000 patients ranged from 3.67 to 4.80/1000 patient visits. Teammate …

Improving Post-Operative Disposition Accuracy To Decrease Unscheduled Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Admissions, Jessica Brown Msn, Mba, Jannah Stewart Msn, Rn, Cpn, Michael Mccrory Md, Ms, Associate Professor, Associate Section Chief For Research, Pediatric Sedation Suite Medical Director

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Unscheduled post operative admissions to the pediatric intensive care unit strain hospital resources due to the inability to plan for staffing, services, supplies, and bed availability. Understanding trends in these admissions is critical to improving efficiency, timeliness and quality of care. Unscheduled cardiovascular admissions are associated with longer length of stay and increased mortality. Additionally, among unscheduled admissions after anesthesia, 33% are predictable and 19% preventable, indicating intervention opportunities.

Local Problem: At our institution, 52% of post-operative admissions to the pediatric intensive care unit were unscheduled, significantly higher than the Virtual Pediatric Systems comparison group rate of 34% (p …

Improving Turn Equality And Pressure Injury Prevention, Erin Felt Bsn, Rn, Rn-Bc, Daphne Tarlton Bsn, Rn, Cmsrn, Suzanne Clontz Service Line Educator

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Hospital acquired pressure injuries are a preventable yet persistent challenge in acute care settings. National guidelines recommend routine repositioning every two hours to redistribute pressure, promote circulation, and prevent skin breakdown. However, inconsistent documentation, communication gaps among team members, and lack of visual cues can contribute to unequal offloading and missed turns.

Local Problem

Prior to the intervention, high-risk patients spent over 50% of their time in the supine position—a factor contributing to the 68 hospital-acquired pressure injuries reported in 2024, of which more than half were sacral. Prior to the turn tool initiative there was not an emphasis …

Implementing Blood Culture Collection Education For Emergency Department Nurses, Michelle Atkinson Bsn, Rn, Pbt, Tncc, Jessica Verenski Msn, Rn, Ecrn, Tncc, Cen

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: One of the most common nursing procedures in the emergency department is blood specimen collection. Blood specimen collections are used for diagnosis and treatment. Incorrect collection of blood cultures leads to redraws, which delays patient care and treatment. A lack of adequate training among emergency department staff has resulted in errors in specimen collection.

Local Problem: There was a lack of education provided for emergency department teammates for proper collection of blood cultures. This led to incorrectly collecting blood cultures. Improper blood culture collection resulted in high contamination rates in 2023 (goal is less than or equal to 2.3%). …

Pressure Injury Prevention Enhanced Critical Care Bundle Quality Improvement Pilot 2024 Atrium Health Union And Atrium Health Union West, Suzanne Clontz Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Lynn Thompson Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Ne-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Critical care areas experience a higher incidence rate of hospital acquired pressure injuries due to the vulnerability of critically ill patients. These safety events negatively impact patient outcomes by increasing mortality, non-reimbursable hospital costs, and length of stay. Hospital acquired pressure injuries often lead to an increased length of stay and more complex interdisciplinary care.

Local Problem: Our nursing teams identified the need for an enhanced pressure injury prevention protocol that was standardized for critical care units due to increased incidence rates and associated patient outcomes. The previous year saw 18 critical care unit acquired pressure injuries, highlighting the …

Heightened Awareness: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Optimize Ventilator Settings Through Accurate Measurements In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Melina Burns West Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Cpn, Linda B. Esposito Dnp, Rn, Ccrn, Cssbb, Cphq

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Accurate height measurement is a critical component of patient care in the pediatric intensive care unit. In children with acute respiratory distress syndrome, appropriate ventilator settings improve clinical outcomes and reduce mortality. Ventilator tidal volumes are commonly based on predicted body weight, which is derived from patient height or length. Ensuring accurate and timely height documentation is essential for optimizing mechanical ventilation strategies for improved outcomes.

Local Problem: Ventilator settings were historically selected using patients’ actual body weight rather than the predicted body weight derived from their height. This approach did not align with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome …

The Efficacy Of Realistic Code Simulation On Nurses' Preparedness And Anxiety, Jadyn Lloyd-Romig Msn, Rn, Ccrn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: In a hospital cardiopulmonary arrest, the patient's life and functional outcome rely on the efficiency of the care team. When a Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit team member inquired about unit concerns, many nurses shared challenges managing code situations. Factors relating to this problem include limited real-life experience and the non-unit-specific nature of ACLS/ BLS training.

Local Problem: To better understand the scope of the issue, a 10 question survey was created and administered to staff to assess their preparedness and anxiety levels during code situations. This survey revealed high levels of anxiety and low levels of confidence, highlighting a …

Professional Governance: From Informational To Transformational, Leah Stein-Fredbeck Bsn, Rnc-Ob, Kristin Rothbart Msn, Mba, Rn, Chpq, Ne-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Nurse engagement and retention in governance structures is challenging, with many hesitant to participate due to perceived time constraints, lack of expertise, and insufficient skills. As a foundation of Magnet organizations, professional governance impacts nurse-sensitive indicators (NSI) and satisfaction. This initiative addressed barriers by equipping nurses to lead councils effectively, fostering improved participation, sustainable outcomes, and alignment with organizational goals.

Purpose

To improve engagement in unit-level professional governance councils, a structured program of chair educational sessions was developed, culminating in a comprehensive workshop. This initiative addressed concerns, providing chairs with tools and strategies to enhance council effectiveness

Method

Professional …

Advocate Nurses Collaborate For Stronger Legal Shields Against Workplace Violence, Susan Morby Msn, Rn, Nea-Bc, Sarah Gilmore Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Introduction

Healthcare workers (HCW) face disproportionately high rates of workplace violence (WPV) and are five times more likely to be injured than other types of workers (Lim et al., 2022). HCWs account for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries in 2018 (OSHA, 2020). National studies show that 12% of nurses planning to leave the profession in the next 5 years cite WPV as the reason (Smiley et al., 2025). Despite implementation of security measures, WPV continues to escalate, contributing to burnout and workforce attrition (The Joint Commission, 2018).

Purpose or Objective

This initiative aimed to expand legal protections for all …

Cardiogenic Shock: Igniting Knowledge Through Simulation, Tracy Suddreth Msn, Aprn, Accns-Ag, Ccrn-Cmc, Leah Haught Msn, Aprn, Accns-Ag, Ccrn-Cmc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/ Introduction

Despite advances in technology, national cardiogenic shock (CS) mortality rates remain above 30%. Recent literature on early recognition initiatives led the organization to create a CS team and protocols to guide treatment. Increased volume and acuity of CS patients highlighted the need for specialized RN training in the complex care of this patient population.

Purpose

The purpose of this project was to develop both didactic and high-fidelity simulation sessions to increase nursing confidence in early recognition and management of CS patients.

Methods/Evaluation

A 1-hour didactic course and 4-hour simulation session were built based on review of current CS …

Professional Governance: Lighting The Path To Clinical Inquiry In A New Symposium, Tracy Montesa Dnp, Aprn, Accns-Ag, Ccrn, Julia Dunne Bsn, Rn, Joyce Quigley Msn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Introduction

The Nursing Research and Innovation Committee (NRIC) and the Nursing Professional Governance Committee (NPGC) at a Magnet-designated hospital identified a gap in nursing project dissemination. Literature highlights that barriers to knowledge-sharing hinder professional development and patient care quality.

Purpose or Objective

The primary aim of this project was to engage Professional Governance and organize a nursing symposium that promoted knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and professional development, with a focus on breaking down silos, encouraging clinical inquiry, and advancing nursing practice.

Method or Evaluation

NRIC and NPGC collaborated to create a symposium which included a theme and development of agenda. The one-day …

Simulation Savvy: Elevating Nurse Preceptor Confidence, Patricia Shafer Msn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Claire Hackelberg Mn, Ba, Rn, Npd-Bc, Cnl

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Preceptor programs are crucial for developing new team members and ensuring high-quality patient care. However, variations in training programs often lead to inconsistent experiences for preceptees, which can result in unclear expectations and inadequate preparation (McKinney et al., 2020). Standardizing preceptor training can reduce turnover, improve patient outcomes, and create a more efficient healthcare system (Kosanke et al., 2023).

Preceptors play a crucial role in teaching skills, fostering critical thinking, clinical judgment, prioritization, and handling difficult conversations. Developing effective communication skills for multi-generational teams is key to creating an inclusive environment. Equipping preceptors with tools to guide their teammates through …

Streamlining Medical Supply Inventory: A Technological Approach To Cost Reduction, Amy Lomas Msn, Rn-Bc, Lauren Shealy Msn, Rn-Bc, Melissa Rushing Bsmi, Rt®, Ebone Roberts Bsn, Rn, Meagan Collins Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Introduction and Context:

Inventory management of lab and medical supplies is crucial for cost control and operational efficiency, especially with high-cost supplies like COVID and flu tests. Historically, Atrium Health Urgent Cares faced inefficiencies in purchasing oversight, leading to budget overruns and misalignment between supply and demand. These challenges were addressed by using technology to streamline processes, align with healthcare demands, and improve operational efficiency.

Implementation Strategy:

Streamlining inventory management, a QR code system was implemented for teammates to input COVID and flu kit counts weekly. The Microsoft Form records location and unopened test kit inventory. The data is exported …

From Classroom To Clicks: Transforming Telemetry Education Through Web-Based Innovation, Lindsey Bell Ramsey Msn, Rn, Medsurg-Bc, Npd-Bc, Leeann Smith Msn, Rn, Cv-Bc, Npd-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Telemetry education continues to emerge as a recurring need on nursing needs assessments. Nursing professional development specialists are frequently asked to expand educational offerings to accommodate a wide range of practice settings beyond a single facility. However, traditional in-person strategies present logistical challenges, including space limitations, facilitator availability, and associated costs. To address these barriers, a creative, cost-effective solution was developed using an internal web-based platform.

This new approach delivers high-quality telemetry education through a self-paced online course featuring multimedia content, quizzes, and interactive practice exercises. The flexible format allows learners to access and resume the course at their convenience, …

Smart Triage: Leveraging Technology For Remote Patient Evaluation, Erin Morton Msn, Rn, Cen, Tns, Sarah Makina Msn, Mba, Rn, Cen, Ne-Bc, Edward Gutierrez Dnp, Rn, Nea-Bc, Cen

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Overcrowding by large volumes of patients and high levels of boarding in the Emergency Department (ED) has created long waiting times, increased door to provider times, and high Left Without Being Seen (LWBS) rates. The need to initiate care quickly and efficiently to patients waiting for a room to open is paramount to decrease length of stay and LWBS (Fleming, 2022). In traditional triage, the nurse performs the triage assessment and orders limited standard medical orders.

Local Problem: Advocate Christ Medical Center (ACMC) ED is a large, Level 1 Trauma Center in Illinois. In 2023, we had an average …

Enhancing Patient Experience Through Virtual Nursing Assessments In Hospital At Home, Meghan Markus Msn. Rn. Cnl

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

The expansion of home-based care has reshaped holistic healthcare delivery. Atrium’s Hospital at Home program explored the role of nurses in virtual assessments, highlighting the potential of remote evaluations to improve outcomes. Research supports this approach: “Patients receiving acute, virtual, home care with remote monitoring… had markedly shorter hospital stays than patients receiving standard inpatient care, with no significant increase in mortality, ED revisits, or return hospitalizations” (Banerjee et al., 2024).

In March 2025, a pilot initiative launched to develop a workflow enabling nurses to conduct effective virtual assessments, aiming to enhance NRC Patient Experience Scores through more comprehensive care …

Fs Steering Committee Agenda 2025-11-12, Northern Illinois University

Faculty Senate Archives

No abstract provided.

Fs Steering Committee Minutes 2025-11-12, Northern Illinois University

Faculty Senate Archives

No abstract provided.

Michael “Mike” Sherman, Mark Naison, Steven Payne

Oral Histories

In 2010, Sherman was introduced to KAP at a party held in Eastwood Manor in the Bronx. He enjoyed the feeling of giving back he got from them, and he was chartered into the fraternity in spring 2012. That same year, Sherman began working at a charter school, Harlem’s Children Zone, where he served as Assistant Dean and later as a Teaching Assistant.

In 2021, Sherman left Harlem’s Children Zone, wanting more control of his classroom, and founded his own charter school, Emblaze Academy, in Hunts Point. Sherman teaches because it fulfills him to be a pillar of support for …

Student Senate Meeting Minutes November 12, 2025, Student Senate-Winona State University

Student Senate Meeting Minutes

This document is the official Winona State University Student Senate Minutes for November 12, 2025.

Ole Miss Ranked No. 12 In Social Media Engagement, Harrison Holley

University of Mississippi News

The University of Mississippi has landed among the top 15 universities nationwide for social media engagement, solidifying its reputation as a leader in digital storytelling across higher education.

New Centers, Institute Position Um As Leader In National Security, Clara Turnage

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi has launched three new initiatives dedicated to advancing the nation's security and resilience.

Spectrum, Volume 55, Issue 9, Sacred Heart University

Newspapers (Obelisk & Spectrum)

Highlights include: Remembering Kristallnacht: Annual Commemoration -- Understanding the Meal Plan Changes on Campus -- 50 Years of Professor Domenick Pinto -- Women in STEM: Finding Strength in Community -- Sleepless Students -- Rothenberg Shines as Pioneers Close Fall Season -- Editorial: Athletes Crisis on Mental Health